If you do not play a card that adds the Melee trait and you choose to make a Strength check instead of a Melee check for a Combat check, then the Combat check is a Combat/Strength check only, and any cards that can only modify a Melee check cannot be used, since it is not a Melee check.
If the Master-at-arms can only modify a Melee check, then it cannot be played in this instance.
Thanks for clarification, also to clarify, if I DO play a weapon that has the melee trait, then i can use cards that modify a melee check, even if I do not have melee skill?
As long as you are playing the weapon to set the check, those traits get added to the check. For instance, if you use a Longsword with your Strength, it is a Melee check. However, in that combat check, if you also discarded a Dagger to add 1d4, the Dagger would not add its traits, unless specifically mentioned, like the Venomous Dagger +2. Does that make sense?
Typically you cannot cast an attack spell and use a weapon to defeat a monster. You can only use one card or power which says "For your combat check..."
Some cards may allow you to replace the required skill for a check with a different one. As part of this action, you may play only 1 card or use only 1 power that defines the skill you are going to use.
The one twist on this is Seltyiel, who can discard an attack spell to add to his weapon and vice versa.
You could also cast a spell like Aid or Fiery Weapon that add to a check. But not something like Lightning Bolt and a Longsword.
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Edit: I was was wrong, here is the relevant rule
"Traits also determine the type of check; for example, if you’re attempting a combat check and you played a weapon that added the Ranged trait, it counts as a Ranged combat check."